Would I have published a post-election blog if the presidential election result would have been different?

Yes, and here’s why. Regardless of who won, the presidential campaign revealed division and hurt in America that needs to be addressed by us all. As a nonprofit with a mission of tolerance and understanding, we have a special obligation to acknowledge the situation and do our part.

HI USA seeks to be a safe harbor for expression among our diverse guests, program participants, staff and volunteers. That’s part of our purpose.

Here’s the blog post that would have been relevant if the election result had been different. I’ll deliver the punchline before you read it. It’s the identical blog post from two weeks ago, because regardless of the election result, our collective national challenge is the same:

Travel is a long way from my reality today. I’ve spent most of the past 24 hours planted in front of my computer and television screen learning what others in my country feel is important in a leader. Yet like travel, this election has yielded valuable insights for me into the lives and feelings of others. It’s been an education, and I come away feeling a new importance for the work of HI USA.

The US presidential election ended early this morning with about half of our country having voted for the winner, and about half not. Close elections are not that unusual. But the harsh rhetoric in this election was both unusual and divisive. It was alarming to those who felt it personally, and has resulted in uncertainty around intentions and consequences.

That’s where we need to rediscover the idea oftolerance. For some, it’s a low-bar aspiration: showing respect for each other’s differences, even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. Yet it’s fundamental.

Differences of opinion seem a particularly timely example. Often absent over the past 18 months, tolerance and respect for others’ opinions – even if we find them infuriating or wrong – is going to be important for all of us to collectively embrace in order to move forward. Let me be the first to admit my own impatience, and pledge a new start.

For HI USA, promoting tolerance is part of our purpose, and it goes way beyond personal points of view. A more tolerant world includes not prejudging others on the basis of individual qualities such as race, color, religion, political affiliation, gender, gender expression, age, disability and sexual orientation. Our tolerance involves being accepting that others have the right to be who they are.

For us, travel is a journey that helps each to define our common humanity, and the hostel stay plays an important role. Our hostels are a safe space for travelers and community members to learn about others and themselves. Our programs likeExplore the World Travel ScholarshipsandIOU Respectbuild bridges for international exchange, while ourhostelsdeliver local opportunities for interaction and understanding. And our volunteers and staff create a welcoming climate that encourages conversation and exchange among diverse audiences.